SENATE MEMORIAL 5

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Dianna J. Duran

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF THE F-117A NIGHTHAWK AND DECLARING JANUARY 17, 2008 AS "STEALTH FIGHTER DAY" AT THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, United States military forces have used the

F-117A Nighthawk, also known as the "stealth fighter", in every armed conflict since its unveiling in 1988, losing only seven of the fifty-nine jets built, and will retire the remaining fifty-two stealth fighters by the summer of 2008; and

     WHEREAS, Holloman air force base has been home to the stealth fighter since 1992 and the 49th fighter wing is the only wing that operates the stealth fighter in combat; and

     WHEREAS, the stealth fighter played a strategic role in preventing any unnecessary loss of life during Operation Just Cause in Panama and helped facilitate the surrender of Manuel Noriega; and

     WHEREAS, the stealth fighter participated in the longest single-seat fighter mission in history, carrying 49th fighter wing pilots from Holloman air force base to Kuwait during Operation Desert Strike; and

     WHEREAS, the stealth fighter played a significant role in bringing about the negotiated cessation of North Korea's nuclear arms program; and

     WHEREAS, the stealth fighter has a long history of protecting American soldiers, preventing unnecessary loss of life and securing the safety of United States citizens;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 17, 2008 be proclaimed "Stealth Fighter Day" in recognition of its great service to this country; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the commanding officer of the 49th fighter wing, the public affairs office at Holloman air force base and the members of New Mexico's congressional delegation.

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